Search for light aircraft missing after leaving City of Derry airport

The coastguard has launched a major search operation for a light aircraft that went missing after leaving City of Derry Airport on Thursday.

It is understood two people were on board the microlight that left City of Derry airport, Eglinton, yesterday morning.

It is understood to have been bound for Scotland.

A number of agencies and rescue teams are involved in the search operation, which was suspended due to poor weather conditions. It is expected to resume today.

Ryan Gray, Senior Maritime Operations Officer at the UK Coastguard, said: “UK Coastguard has also issued a Mayday relay broadcast in the area and several merchant shipping vessels have responded and are keeping a lookout for this aircraft.

“We may send further resources as the search widens.”

The Northern Ireland Police and Police Scotland have also been informed.